Construction resumes at Big Island bioenergy plant

2015-01-15T22:00:27Z2015-01-15T22:00:29Z

HILO, Hawaii (AP) - Construction work has resumed at a Big Island power plant expected to generate electricity from eucalyptus trees and other plant matter.

Work at Hu Honua Bioenergy at Pepeekeo was delayed for several months because of a dispute with the plant's general contractor. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. claimed Hu Honua had failed to pay it $35 million for its services.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports Hu Honua officials say they've settled the dispute, though they wouldn't discuss terms. A new contractor has taken over construction.

CEO John Sylvia anticipates all equipment and materials will be delivered by early April. He says it will take about a year to get the plant up and running.

When we asked Governor David Ige if he could beat Colleen Hanabusa in a potential match-up in 2018, he didn't hesitate with this response. "Certainly. I believe that I will be successful for any of those candidates that are considering it," he said. While Ige says he's sure he could win reelection in 2018, he says he doesn't know why powerful democratic forces are looking to defeat him with a candidate like Hanabusa in the primary election next August. "I don't know....

When we asked Governor David Ige if he could beat Colleen Hanabusa in a potential match-up in 2018, he didn't hesitate with this response. "Certainly. I believe that I will be successful for any of those candidates that are considering it," he said. While Ige says he's sure he could win reelection in 2018, he says he doesn't know why powerful democratic forces are looking to defeat him with a candidate like Hanabusa in the primary election next August. "I don't know....